Delaware Tenant Harassment Laws
Delaware prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who report housing code violations or exercise their legal rights.
Key Rules
- Anti Harassment
- Anti-retaliation protections; general tort law may address broader harassment
- Penalties
- Tenant may recover 3 months' rent or treble damages, whichever is greater, plus the cost of suit -- but NOT attorney fees, which the statute expressly excludes
- Retaliation Prohibited
- Yes — retaliation within 90 days of protected activity is presumptively retaliatory
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Del. Code Ann. tit. 25, § 5516
Retaliatory conduct prohibited: landlord may not retaliate against a tenant who reports housing code violations, contacts a government agency, or exercises rights under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Code.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.